First record of Egernia predation by the range restricted Spotted Mulga Snake Pseudechis butleri

Abstract

Despite being a hotspot for reptile diversity, there is a chronic knowledge gap surrounding the ecology of Australian reptiles. Understanding the complex interactions between species, such as predator-prey relationships, can be key to informed and effective management, particularly of rare and threatened species. The Spotted Mulga Snake (Pseudechis butleri) is a key example of an understudied endemic reptile, limited to the Mid West region of Western Australia. Here, we present the first recorded observation of a Spotted Mulga Snake consuming a Pygmy Spiny-tailed Skink (Egernia depressa). This predation event has implications for the susceptibility of the similar-sized juvenile endangered Western Spiny-tailed Skinks, another understudied reptile co-occurring in the Mid West.